Navigating the California Nonfunctional Turf Ban: Commercial Landscape

How is your property planning to adapt its landscape design ahead of the upcoming compliance deadlines?

California businesses, HOAs, and government agencies face a sweeping new mandate: a state law beginning to phase in on January 1, 2027, that bars using drinking water on purely decorative grass.

The legislation targets "nonfunctional turf"—defined as the mowed grass lining sidewalks, parking lots, and buildings that serves no recreational or community use.

While single-family homes, parks, cemeteries, and sports fields are exempt, affected lawns can still be irrigated with recycled water, but commercial property managers must prepare for strict compliance timelines.

- Government Properties: Must comply first when the law rolls out in 2027.

 - Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Sites: Required to comply by 2028.

 - HOA Common Areas: Slated for compliance by 2029.

Rather than viewing this mandate as a hurdle, commercial properties can leverage our services to turn water restrictions into an opportunity for modern, drought-resilient curb appeal. Many local water districts offer rebates to help offset these expenses.

The Brentwood, California-based Altamont Commercial Landscape team can seamlessly replace nonfunctional grass with sustainable, visually striking alternatives like native plant gardens, rockscapes, and efficient irrigation systems tailored to recycled water usage.

Call us today for a proposal (925) 634-5555

Or email: Frank@altamontlandscape.com